Abstract: A method for the surface treatment of an article (2) by means of a robotic device (3) comprising a robotic arm (5) and a spraying head (4) fitted on the robotic arm (5); the method comprises a learning step, during which the operator moves the spraying head (4) by means of a handling device (9) and the movements made by the spraying head (4) are stored by a storage unit (8); and a reproduction step, which is subsequent to the learning step and during which the robotic arm (5) is operated so that the spraying head (4) repeats the movements stored by the storage unit (8).

Abstract: This robot system includes a robot, a tool which is attached to the robot, an imaging device, and a controller which controls the robot and the tool, and the controller is configured so that a distal end portion of the robot is placed at a plurality of calibration positions, the tool is operated at each of the calibration positions, images of light irradiated to an object or a trace left on the object due to tool operation processing are captured by the imaging device, and calibration is performed based on comparison between irradiation positions of the light or positions of the traces, which are in an image captured by the imaging device, and predetermined reference positions.

Abstract: Robotic automation and methods described herein can be used to enhance the efficiencies of freight shipping processes. For example, this document describes the use of automated systems and methods for densely loading cargo into freight carriers (e.g., semi-trailers) in an efficient manner. Some such systems can include one or more movable robots that can travel along an open side or open top of a semi-trailer to autonomously load parcels into the trailer in a densely packed manner. The disclosed systems and methods allow for the reduction or elimination of manual labor for loading shipping trailers in a very dense manner.

Abstract: A motion capture setup records the movements of an operator, and a control engine then translates those movements into control signals for controlling a robot. The control engine may directly translate the operator movements into analogous movements to be performed by the robot, or the control engine may compute robot dynamics that cause a portion of the robot to mimic a corresponding portion of the operator.

Abstract: A three-dimensional information acquiring unit for acquiring three-dimensional information of a target object, a gripping information acquiring unit for acquiring gripping information that defines a method of gripping the target object by using a picking hand, and an information management unit for storing, in a storage apparatus in association with each other, (i) three-dimensional information of the target object acquired by the three-dimensional information acquiring unit and (ii) gripping information acquired by the gripping information acquiring unit are included. The three-dimensional information of the target object may include at least one of origin position information and the coordinate axis information. A two-dimensional information acquiring unit for acquiring two-dimensional information of the target object may be further included.

Abstract: An automated robot design pipeline facilitates the overall process of designing robots that perform various desired behaviors. The disclosed pipeline includes four stages. In the first stage, a generative engine samples a design space to generate a large number of robot designs. In the second stage, a metric engine generates behavioral metrics indicating a degree to which each robot design performs the desired behaviors. In the third stage, a mapping engine generates a behavior predictor that can predict the behavioral metrics for any given robot design. In the fourth stage, a design engine generates a graphical user interface (GUI) that guides the user in performing behavior-driven design of a robot. One advantage of the disclosed approach is that the user need not have specialized skills in either graphic design or programming to generate designs for robots that perform specific behaviors or express various emotions.

Abstract: An explosion-proof robot is an explosion-proof robot which is capable of self-propulsion on a field and includes: an explosion-proof casing of a hollow shape inside of which at least one electric component is placed; and a cover including a nonmetal material and covering at least part of an outer surface of the explosion-proof casing.

Abstract: A food holding apparatus configured to hold and release an ingredient having fluidity, including: a base; robot arm coupled to the base; end effector at a tip end of the arm; and controller configured to control an operation of the arm and of the end effector. The end effector includes: a base portion; rotational joint having a rotation axis parallel to a horizontal direction in at least one of postures of the arm; rotary portion rotatably coupled to the base portion by the rotational joint; and a tip end portion attached to the rotary portion and including a concave portion. The controller makes the rotational joint of the tip end portion in a predetermined reference state normally rotate to hold part of the ingredient, stored in a predetermined container, inside the concave portion, and makes the rotational joint of the tip end portion reversely rotate to release the ingredient.

Abstract: An automated positioning system and methods of controlling the same. The positioning system includes a multi-joint positioning arm, an end effector coupled to a distal end of the positioning arm, a force-moment sensor (FMS) coupled to the end effector and a controller coupled to communicate with the positioning arm and the FMS. Using signals from the FMS, at least one external force or torque applied to the end effector is determined. A drive velocity for moving the end effector is determined, based on the at least one external force or torque. One or more joint movements of the positioning arm for moving the end effector is calculated, according to the drive velocity. The positioning arm is moved according to the one or more calculated joint movements.

Abstract: A robot system includes a robot having a base, an arm supported by the base, and a force detection unit provided in the base and detecting a first force applied to the arm, and a control unit that controls motion of the robot. The control unit performs force control of the arm and deceleration of the arm according to contact between the robot and an object based on output of the force detection unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gripping device comprising carriages or pivot arms, which carry gripping elements, wherein the carriages or pivot arms are mounted and guided in a base body—between an opening and a closing position—and are drivable by means of at least one cylinder-piston unit. According to the invention, a switching module is mounted on the base body. The switching module comprises at least one pressure medium connection and at least one electrical connection, the electrical connection comprising both load and control lines. At least one electrically controllable valve, which is switching a pressure means, and at least one electronic controller for implementing external and internal control signals are arranged in the control module, wherein the internal control signals originate from at least one sensor which detects at least one physical characteristic variable of the carriage(s) and/or the cylinder-piston unit at least in or on the base body.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of changing a tool on a programmable motion device. The method includes the steps of moving an attachment portion of an end effector of the programmable motion device in a continuous motion; while the attachment portion of the end effector moves in the continuous motion, engaging one of: the attachment portion of the end effector with the tool, or the tool attached to the attachment portion of the end effector with an exchange system, and continuing to move the attachment portion of the end effector in the continuous motion to change a connection status of the attachment portion of the end effector while the attachment portion of the end effector moves in the continuous motion.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to magnetically moveable displacement devices or robotic devices. Particular embodiments provide systems and corresponding methods for magnetically moving multiple movable robots relative to one or more working surfaces of respective one or more work bodies, and for moving robots between the one or more work bodies via transfer devices. Robots can carry one or more objects among different locations, manipulate carried objects, and/or interact with their surroundings for particular functionality including but not limited to assembly, packaging, inspection, 3D printing, test, laboratory automation, etc. A mechanical link may be mounted on planar motion units such as said robots.

Abstract: A compliance unit 10 includes a support plate 11, an attaching plate 12, and a fixing disk 22 that has a cylindrical portion 24 fixed to the support plate 11, and an annular, arc surface 26 is formed in a front surface of an annular portion 25 that is provided at a tip of the cylindrical portion 24 so as to protrude radially outside the cylindrical portion. A movable plate 31 is disposed between the annular portion 25 and the support plate 11, and the movable plate 31 is fastened to the attaching plate 12. The attaching plate 12 is provided with an abutment surface 37 opposing the arc surface 26, and the attaching plate 12 is movable to a position where the abutment surface 37 abuts on the arc surface 26 and a position where the abutment surface 37 is separate from the arc surface 26 via a gap 38 between the abutment surface and the arc surface 26.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to safety blades for use in utility knives, related assemblies and methods of manufacturing. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to safety blades for use in utility knives, related assemblies and methods of manufacture which limit user exposure to associated cutting edges.

Abstract: The use of etchings into one or more places of a knife in such a way to maximize leverage allows for more precision and safety to be obtained by the holder, when the holder attempts to complete finer tasks with the knife. A knife can be comprised of three portions to the blade: one portion for chopping, one portion for fine tasks, and one portion for chiseling purposes.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for trimming an article, the apparatus has a manually grasped power element with a reciprocating arm having a removably engagable rotatable couple including a selectable rotational index position lock. Also included is a cutting head assembly that is removable and rotationally indexable relative to the power element, the cutting head having a pair of reciprocating cutting blades for trimming the article. Wherein operationally, the reciprocating arm drives the cutting blades that have reciprocating movement with the cutting head selectably rotatable to the power element, user wrist fatigue is reduced, also with the cutting head being removable from the power element, the cutting head assembly is easier to clean.

Abstract: System and method for improving the shaving experience by providing improved visibility of the skin shaving area. A digital camera is integrated with the electric shaver for close image capturing of shaving area, and displaying it on a display unit. The display unit can be integral part of the electric shaver casing, or housed in a separated device which receives the image via a communication channel. The communication channel can be wireless (using radio, audio or light) or wired, such as dedicated cabling or using powerline communication. A light source is used to better illuminate the shaving area. Video compression and digital image processing techniques are used for providing for improved shaving results. The wired communication medium can simultaneously be used also for carrying power from the electric shaver assembly to the display unit, or from the display unit to the electric shaver.

Abstract: System and method for improving the shaving experience by providing improved visibility of the skin shaving area. A digital camera is integrated with the electric shaver for close image capturing of shaving area, and displaying it on a display unit. The display unit can be integral part of the electric shaver casing, or housed in a separated device which receives the image via a communication channel. The communication channel can be wireless (using radio, audio or light) or wired, such as dedicated cabling or using powerline communication. A light source is used to better illuminate the shaving area. Video compression and digital image processing techniques are used for providing for improved shaving results. The wired communication medium can simultaneously be used also for carrying power from the electric shaver assembly to the display unit, or from the display unit to the electric shaver.

Abstract: A motorized shaving apparatus and head therefor that cuts or trims hair via shearing. In one embodiment, the invention is a shaving apparatus head comprising: a body; a rotary cutter mounted to the body so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis, the rotary cutter comprising cutting edges that collectively define a reference cylinder about the rotational axis; and a blade mounted to the body so as to extend along a first reference plane that intersects the reference cylinder, the blade positioned so that a user's hairs are sheared between a cutting edge of the blade and the cutting edges of the rotary cutter when the rotary cutter is rotating about the rotational axis.

Abstract: Hair clippers which incorporate a microcontroller, a number of DC or stepper motors, and sensors to carry out linear movements of the guard disposed on a body of the hair clippers to ultimately perform a haircut of variable length. The microcontroller is programmed to either change the guard length incrementally at a press of a button or perform a predefined routine as determined by the user. The hair clippers have a LCD screen on the front for the user to easily view the length they are cutting at or to navigate through a number of available programs or routines. The hair clippers also include both a motorized and a manual means for the user to adjust the relative alignment of the teeth disposed on the guard, thereby permitting the user to provide an asymmetrical cut or cut the hair around a client's ears.

Abstract: A hair removal apparatus has a drive unit, a handle that allows a user to easily grip the apparatus, and a shaving unit that allows the apparatus to adjust to the contours of a shaving surface.

Abstract: A razor cartridge includes: a blade housing accommodating a plurality of blades including at least a first blade and a second blade; a first contact member arranged at a front side of the plurality of blades with respect to a shaving direction; and a second contact member arranged at a rear side of the plurality of blades with respect to the shaving direction, each blade including an edge portion and a base, wherein a thickness of a first position of the edge portion of the first blade is less than a thickness of a corresponding second position of the edge portion of the second blade, and wherein a first exposure amount of the first blade with respect to a contact plane defined between the first contact member and the second contact member is less than a second exposure amount of the second blade with respect to the contact plane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arrangement of blades mounted within a razor cartridge. The razor cartridge includes a blade housing; and a plurality of blades including a first blade and a second blade, wherein a thickness of an edge portion of the first blade is less than a thickness of an edge portion of the second blade, and wherein a first span in front of the first blade is less than a second span in front of the second blade.

Abstract: A manual tool includes a support (1) with stops (20) on which the carving elements (2) are arranged and includes a first central tubular sector (7) having a hollow interior; second lateral sectors (10); wings (11) facing each other that start from each of the second sectors (10); a recess (12) between both wings (11), for housing the carving element (2); and a rotating part (16) mounted between the wings (11), that includes two couplings (15) and two housings (17) and (18), in which the rotating part (16) is rotatory between a first position in which the carving element (2) linked to the first housing (17) while the carving element (2) linked to the second housing (18) is oriented inwards the recess (12) and a second position in which the carving element (2) of the first housing (17) is oriented inward toward the recess (12).

Abstract: A system includes a hopper, a permeable seal, a gas supply, and a receiver. The hopper includes an elongated housing holding a row of food products. The elongated housing defines a pressurized end opposite a discharge end through which the food products are dispensed. The permeable seal is interposed between an interior wall of the hopper and a surface of the piston. The permeable seal cooperates with the hopper and the piston to define a closed volume between the piston and the pressurized end. The permeable seal is configured to bleed gas from the closed volume toward the discharge end. The gas supply selectively supplies gas into the closed volume to displace the piston toward the discharge end. The receiver receives food products dispensed from the elongated housing and is positioned to allow the food products to move along at least partially by gravity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cutting machine for cutting a flat surface having a graphical design with optical registration features. The cutting machine includes a working surface for receiving at least one object, a first camera unit arranged so that the field of vision encompasses the whole working surface, a working group above the working surface, and at least one cutting device for cutting the at least one object. A computing unit with a circuit and program code for controlling the cutting machine includes a storage unit, a circuit and program code for evaluating images of the first camera unit to identify registration features of the at least one object in an image of the first camera unit, and being designed to define a cutting path for the cutting device according to at least one stored instruction and based on positions of the registration features in the image.

Abstract: A method where a propeller is set into locomotion relative to a medium at least partially surrounding the propeller. An actuator induces a rotation of the propeller relative to the medium and about a rotational axis of the propeller, and the propeller converts its rotational movement into locomotion relative to the medium. The aspect ratio of at least one cross-section of the propeller is three or more. Also a helical or modifiedly helical propeller for converting rotational movement of the propeller into locomotion of the propeller relative to a medium at least partially surrounding the propeller, where the aspect ratio of at least one cross section of the propeller is three or more. And a method of producing a propeller, including the step of providing a plate extending along the helical axis, where the aspect ratio of at least one cross section of the plate is three or more.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a molded article and a manufacturing method for a molded article by which it is possible to mitigate deformation of an opening. The present invention provides a molded article comprising a cylindrical base and an opening provided in the base, wherein a rib is provided adjacent to the opening. The present invention provides a manufacturing method for a molded article that includes a molded body formation step for forming a molded body having a cylindrical portion provided at one end thereof with an occlusion by molding a melted resin, and a cut-off step for cutting off the occlusion by cutting the cylindrical portion, wherein in the cut-off step, the cutting is performed in a state where a side wall of the cylindrical portion is warped in-plane by an external force.

Abstract: Connecting rod ultrasonic-assisted splitting machining method and a machining device thereof, relating to the field of machining of a connecting rod. The machining device comprises a rack, a fixing block, a sliding block, a sliding block base, a vertical locking oil cylinder, a wedge-shaped pull rod, an adjusting block body, etc. By means of the method and the device thereof, the range of the material used for splitting the connecting rod is enlarged, the splitting force required during the splitting of the connecting rod, deformation of fracture surfaces, residues generated during the splitting process, out-of-roundness of big end holes of the connecting rod, and other situations are reduced, and the engaging accuracy of the connecting rod and the joint face of a connecting rod cover and the assembly quality of the connecting rod are improved.

Abstract: The present discloses is a replaceable threaded insert for mounting a knife assembly or knife holder to a chipping head. The replaceable threaded insert has a generally frustoconical shape allowing the insert to be slid in an opening of the chipping head. The inner portion of the insert is threaded. A knife holder may be positioned over the chipping head and a bolt may be inserted in an aperture of the knife holder and in the threaded inner portion of the threaded insert, thus attaching the knife holder to the chipping head.

Abstract: A manufacturing system includes a tape advancing through the manufacturing system and a station of the manufacturing system. The tape includes a first portion having grains of an inorganic material bound by an organic binder. The station of the manufacturing system receives the first portion of the tape and prepares the tape for sintering by chemically changing the organic binder and/or removing the organic binder from the first portion of the tape, leaving the grains of the inorganic material, to form a second portion of the tape and, at least in part, prepare the tape for sintering.

Abstract: A hopper flashing for a hopper of a paving machine that is removably coupled to a lead edge of the hopper, made of a urethane compound such as MDI caprolactone or polycaprolactone, or TDI ester, and useable on its own or as provided between wing hopper flashings to help retain asphalt in the hopper.

Abstract: A mixer apparatus for the treatment of a polymer material to generate the Maxwell effect therein, at a rotor-stator interface in a mixer. The mixer comprises an alternating series of stators and rotors arranged along an elongated driveshaft supported within an elongated housing. The stators and rotors each having at least one helically arranged channel extending from an upstream end of the stator to an end location near the downstream end of that stator, those helically arranged channels preferably are arranged on the surface of the bore extending through the stator.

Abstract: A screw extruder for extruding a kneaded material includes a screw and a casing housing the screw and having a material supply port on an upstream side in an extrusion direction of the kneaded material and a tip-side opening on a downstream side in the extrusion direction. A pressure sensor for measuring a pressure inside the casing is provided between a downstream end of the supply port and the tip-side opening of the casing. A rotational speed of the screw is controlled depending on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an antibacterial resin according to the present invention includes the following steps. The method includes: a preparation step of preparing synthetic resin powder and an antibacterial additive; a dispersion step of introducing into a mixer the synthetic resin powder together with iron balls having a pointed protrusion formed on an outer surface thereof and dispersing particles; a dispersion and mixing step of introducing the antibacterial additive into the mixer containing the synthetic resin powder, followed by dispersion and mixing; a pellet forming step of separating the iron balls and forming the mixture of the synthetic resin powder and the antibacterial additive into pellets by melting, extrusion and cutting; and a product producing step of introducing the pellets into an injection molding machine to produce an antibacterial resin product; wherein white charcoal powder is included in the antibacterial additive in the mixing step.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fabricating preforms for composite parts. One embodiment is a method of creating a preform. The method includes conveying a web of fiber reinforced composite material in a process direction, disposing fiber reinforced composite material atop the web, conveying the web and the tow in the process direction to a cutting tool, and cutting out a preform comprising a combination of the tow and the web.

Abstract: A blank preform for being blow-molded to form a container is provided herein. The blank preform comprises a cylindrical portion that includes a tapered portion that extends to a finish portion. The finish portion includes an opening to an interior of the preform. The finish portion comprises one or more wall thickness portions for blow-molding any of a tamper evidence ledge, one or more threads, a neck portion, and a handling valley. The handling valley facilitates air-conveying the container along a manufacturing line. The cylindrical portion comprises at least one wall thickness suitable for blow-molding any of a base, a portion of a bell, a sidewall, and a shoulder between the sidewall and the bell. The tapered portion comprises one or more wall thickness portions that are suitable for blow-molding any of a portion of the bell, a blown neck, and a blown support ledge.

Abstract: Method for producing a fiber tape including spreading a strand of fibers into a spreaded fiber layer, immersing the spreaded fiber layer in a solution, and forming a fiber tape from the spreaded fiber layer by applying heat and/or pressure to the spreaded fiber layer.

Abstract: A resin molding apparatus provided with a first mold and a second mold or pressing a flat thermoplastic resin sheet into a molded article, wherein the molded article has a shape provided with a flat plate part and a concave-convex part continuous with the flat plate part, and a heating part is provided to locally heat a concave-convex molding region corresponding to the concave-convex part in the thermoplastic resin sheet when the thermoplastic resin sheet is pressed.

Abstract: A resin product including an antireflection surface includes a plurality of first concave portions, a plurality of second concave portions, and a component surface. The first concave portions have opening widths equal to or larger than 1 ?m and equal to or smaller than 300 ?m. The second concave portions are formed on each of the plurality of first concave portions and have opening widths equal to or larger than 10 nm and equal to or smaller than 1 ?m. The component surface is configured to surround each of the plurality of first concave portions.

Abstract: Provided is a silicone mold with which a curable composition containing an epoxy resin can be molded with good precision even if used repeatedly. The silicone mold according to an embodiment of the present invention is a silicone mold for use in molding a curable composition containing an epoxy resin, the silicone mold including a cured product of a silicone resin composition, wherein the cured product has a light transmittance at a wavelength of 400 nm of 80% or higher at a thickness of 1 mm, an elongation at break in accordance with JIS K 7161 of 250% or less, and a thermal linear expansion coefficient of 350 ppm/° C. or less at 20 to 40° C.

Abstract: A system for maintaining low pressure within a tire press bladder when the press is open and controlling pressure by using an orifice on the supply line side of the tire press bladder. The supply line runs from a high-pressure supply media to a tire press bladder. A three-way valve alternates in directing high pressure directly through the supply line and directing high pressure to an orifice. Simultaneously the pressure in the bladder is controlled by a regulating valve on the drain side piping. When the press is closed on a tire, the three-way valve supplies high pressure from the supply line directly to the tire press bladder.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, disclosed is a curing-device comprising: a stage; a light emitting module including a substrate disposed on the stage and a plurality of light emitting elements disposed on the substrate; and a plurality of transparent blocks disposed between the light emitting module and the stage, wherein the substrate includes a plurality of first sections and a plurality of second sections which are disposed in a first direction, the intervals in the first direction between the light emitting elements disposed in the first sections is smaller than the intervals in the first direction between the light emitting elements disposed in the second sections, and the plurality of transparent blocks are disposed on the first sections.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods relating to thermoplastic pavement marking flake or flakes.

Abstract: Provided is a thermally conductive sheet with greater optical transmission. The thermally conductive sheet provided by this invention has a resin layer that comprises a resin and a thermally conductive filler. The resin has a refractive index np and the thermally conductive filler has a refractive index nf, satisfying the next relational expression ?0.04?(np?nf)?0.04. According to a preferable embodiment, the thermally conductive filler content is 50 parts by weight or more and 250 parts by weight or less to 100 parts by weight of the resin.

Abstract: A method for making a bracelet provided with an electronic component insert, the method includes fabricating a basic, flexible support for an insert in the form of a band, making conductive paths on the flexible support or in the flexible support, disposing on the flexible support various electronic components connected to the conductive paths, and coating the electronic components disposed on the flexible support with a transparent or opaque protective layer to finish the insert of the bracelet.

Abstract: A plastic, internally hollow body has a cavity for containing liquid, solid or gaseous material and comprises a shaped main body and a closure body joined together by a joining element, overmolded to the main body and to the closure body. A method for producing the internally hollow body provides for joining the main body and the closure body in the same step wherein a second closure body and/or of a second main body to be used in a subsequent union step are molded to obtain a second internally hollow body. The internally hollow body is molded by means of a mold comprising punch impressions and die impressions and a movable shaped element which engages with the punch or with the die and which is movable to transfer the first main body from a main die or a punch impression to a union impression of a die or punch.

Abstract: An undercut processing mechanism includes: a core pin for forming an inner circumferential surface of a tubular projection; a slide core for forming an outer circumferential surface of the tubular projection; a sliding piece for causing the core pin to advance/retract in an axial direction of the tubular projection; a retaining piece for causing the sliding piece to advance/retract; a holder for accommodating the retaining piece such that the retaining piece can advance/retract; and a movement amount restrictor for restricting a movement amount of the core pin. The retaining piece is operable to advance/retract in a state where a stationary die and a movable die are closed. When the core pin retracts in conjunction with retraction of the retaining piece and a movement amount of the core pin reaches a restricted distance, the core pin and the slide core retract together, thereby allowing an undercut portion to be demolded.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for producing a rotor unit or a bearing unit, wherein the rotor unit or bearing unit is respectively realized with a rotor or a bearing housing and a plain bearing bush (20) for the rotatable arrangement of the rotor on a spindle, wherein the plain bearing bush is placed into a mould (21), wherein the rotor or the bearing housing is respectively produced by attaching a polymeric material to the plain bearing bush in the mould by means of a transfer moulding process or injection moulding process, wherein the plain bearing bush is composed of a first bush section (25) and a second bush section (26) that is connected to the first bush section, wherein the bush sections are placed into the mould, and wherein the polymeric material is attached to the bush sections.